Fully Modular PSU vs Regular PSU

You want to buy a new power supply, whether for an existing configuration or your new PC, but you don't know what type of power supply you need - modular, semi-modular or non-modular, but what does this mean?

Everyone has different needs, so we offer all three types of power supply, although modular power supplies are increasingly dominating the market.

Fully modular power supplies are virtually the norm for building your own PC these days. It's a power supply where you can plug and unplug all the cables as you like. In the past (and even today in some budget segments) it was common to find non-modular power supplies with fixed cables. Despite the ubiquity of fully-modular PSUs, we'll still explain all three types today.

• These allow you to connect only the cables you need.
• Simplifies cable management by reducing the number of cables in the box.
• Allows you to use customised cable kits without losing the power supply warranty.
• Note that this type of power supply is more expensive than others.

Despite being more expensive than semi-modular and regular power supplies, costs have fallen so much that most CORSAIR PSUs are now fully modular, including the following PSU Series'

• HXi Series
• RMx Series
• RMe Series
• SF Series
• AX Series
• RMx SHIFT Series
• SF-L Series

• Unlike the modular version, the semi modular like our CX-M only some of the cables are detachable, the others are fixed.
• The fixed cables are at least an ATX 24-pin connector and an EPS12V 8-pin connector.
• Depending on the model, an 8-pin PCIe cable may also be fixed.
• It gives you simplified cable management at a slightly lower cost.

• These bundle all cables together and attach them to the power supply, making it impossible to remove unnecessary cables.
• This can have a significant impact on the cable management experience, depending on the case used.
• These are limited to entry level PSUs these days and propose very attractive price like our VS500

Before you make your choice, consider this main benefit:

A modular power supply as the RMe Series is always easier to integrate because it gives you more freedom and allows you to remove the cables you don't use in your PC. Less cable clutter makes assembly and maintenance easier. This can help with airflow, too, depending on the case in question.

Modular and semi-modular power supplies have many advantages over non-modular units, and if you can afford the price difference, modular PSUs are the better option in almost every case.